Most of fixed gas detection systems for toxic and combustible gases feature a 4-20 mA linear output to connect to a gas detection controller and are ATEX compliant. A more advanced fixed gas detector can also be equipped with a digital display, alarm relays or digital communication. There is a specific sensor technology for each type of gas that ensures the accuracy and the frequency of measurements… (Learn more about sensor technologies).
COMBUSTIBLE GAS DETECTOR (EXPLOSIMETER):
A combustible gas detector (natural gas, LPG, hydrocarbons, solvents, alcohols) stands for the largest part of gas detection. A fixed gas detector for combustible gas can be used in almost any sector: industries with SEVESO or COMAH sites, chemistry, petro chemistry and also in the tertiary sector with boiler rooms gas detection for example. There are two major monitoring technologies depending on the targeted combustible gas to detect :
. Catalytic sensors: sensor technology used for almost every combustible gas. This solution is very efficient for natural gas, LPG, hydrocarbons, solvents and even some volatile compounds monitoring.
. Infrared sensors: this technology should be preferred for every sector with a constant residual presence of combustible gases (refineries, paint or solvents plants, distilleries…).
TOXIC GAS DETECTOR
As the use and the manufacturing of highly toxic products in the industry is growing stronger, dangers to goods (risk of explosion) and to people (risk of poisoning) are growing as well. Throughout the world every day explosions and death occur and recall this problem.
The most commonly used sensor technology for monitoring toxic gases is the electrochemical sensor. This technology, that can be found in a portable or a fixed gas detector, provides a large panel of gas detection sensors. For some rare gases that require measurements expressed in ppb (parts per billion), only the colorimetric paper technology will be available for fixed gas detection.
ASPHYXIANT GAS DETECTOR – OXYGEN GAS DETECTOR (O2 DETECTOR)
Asphyxiating gases includes many gases with the same property: they reduce oxygen rate. Even if in almost any case an oxygen gas detector (O2 detector) is enough, it is recommended to use an asphyxiant gas detector when it is available such as a CO2 gas detector (carbon dioxide) or an helium fixed gas detector for example.
. Electrochemical sensor for oxygen and some rare gases
. Infrared absorption sensor for carbon dioxide (CO2)
. Catalytic sensor for almost any combustible gas that can replace oxygen in case of leakage
VOC DETECTOR (VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND):
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are a wide family of gases and gaseous substances that can be pollutant, toxic and even carcinogenic. As they are volatile, they can easily spread into the atmosphere. That’s why it is necessary to detect and measure them with a fixed VOC monitor to be protected.
Even if VOC can compose explosive mixtures, they are very toxic before their concentrations reach an explosive level (tens of thousands parts per million). Indeed, their level of explosiveness is set at tens of ppm. Several technologies for VOC detectors are available depending on the risk to monitor:
. Photo-ionization lamp (PID lamp) or semi-conductor sensor for toxicity detection (expressed in ppm).
. Catalytic sensor or infrared absorption sensor (when available) for explosiveness detection (expressed in % LEL).
REFRIGERANT GASES DETECTOR (FREONS)
Halogenated hydrocarbons (CFCs and HCFCs), alkenes (HFOs) and almost any refrigerant gas are regulated under a particular legislation that limits (or forbids) their use. The use if refrigerants also requires a monitoring system – usually a fixed gas detector for freons. There are two main measuring technologies for freons:
. Semi-conductor sensors: the most commonly used technology for freons monitoring
. Infrared absorption sensors: a very accurate but very expensive technology used for some freons
GazDetect offers, on specific territories, many services for fixed gas detection like on-site installation, setup, commissioning and calibration of gas detectors. We can also perform maintenance and periodical checkings of your fixed systems. (go to the Maintenance and on-site calibration section)